The Las Vegas Raiders taking Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza within the 2026 NFL Draft is a lock, proper? Not so quick.
The Raiders (2-14) misplaced 34-10 to the New York Giants (3-13) at residence on Sunday, putting them in a position to land the No. 1 decide within the draft. In the event that they lose to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (6-10) in Week 18 at residence, they safe it. With that choice, Vegas may actually goal a substitute for QB Geno Smith, who has tossed a league-leading 17 interceptions in 16 begins.
As of Monday, NFL Mock Draft Database initiatives that the Raiders will take 2025 Heisman winner Mendoza with decide No. 1. Even so, Sports activities Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer believes Vegas will not rule out deciding on Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore if the third-year sophomore declares for the draft earlier than the deadline on Jan. 23.
Albert Breer explains why he believes Raiders aren’t all-in on Fernando Mendoza
“I am not 100% satisfied [the Raiders’ pick] can be Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza,” wrote Breer in his Monday column. “I’ll say it would not shock me in any respect if he’s, and he looks as if an amazing child, and one you may guess on. I am simply undecided at this early juncture whether or not he’ll go forward of Oregon’s Dante Moore (ought to Moore flip down no matter Phil Knight’s providing him to remain in Eugene).”
Regardless of the potential affords from Nike co-founder Knight, the Oregon standout may be tempted to enter the 2026 draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. With the QB class trying weaker than it did throughout preseason, that will increase his possibilities of being a high decide. Moore (6-foot-3, 206 kilos) and Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 kilos) are the one QBs ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. lists on his up to date top-25 board.
Dante Moore-Fernando Mendoza query is a tricky one to reply for Raiders
The Mendoza-Moore query is the traditional upside versus pro-ready debate. The Indiana star, after all, is extra skilled.
Mendoza has performed in 33 video games in three seasons with the California Golden Bears and Indiana, finishing 68.1% of his passes for 7,692 yards, 63 landing passes and 22 interceptions. Moore, in the meantime, has performed in 27 video games in three seasons with the UCLA Bruins and Oregon, finishing 65.4% of his passes for 4,705 yards, 39 TD passes and 17 interceptions.
Nonetheless, Mendoza turns 23 on Oct. 1, whereas Moore turns 21 on Might 24. Contemplating their ages, the Oregon star could have the next ceiling. It actually seems he has extra instruments than Mendoza, a standard pocket passer.
“Moore can throw from completely different arm angles with precision and ship strikes whereas rolling both proper or disregarded of the pocket,” wrote Kiper. “He can scramble a bit, too.”
Raiders followers could not prefer it, however the crew may let Smith (who’s on a two-year, $75M deal) begin the 2026 season, giving Moore time to be taught.
Moore and Mendoza play within the School Soccer Playoff quarterfinals on New 12 months’s Day. The No. 5 Geese (12-1) play the No. 4 Texas Tech Purple Raiders (12-1) within the Orange Bowl at midday ET (ESPN). No. 1 Indiana (13-0), in the meantime, faces the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-3) within the Rose Bowl at 4 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Raiders scouts ought to watch each video games carefully. It may assist them decide which QB is the higher match for the franchise, which hasn’t made the playoffs for the reason that 2021 season.
